PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – A presentation on a nationwide study of law enforcement’s relationship with the alarm industry and a panel discussion that followed by law enforcement representatives highlighted the California Alarm Association (CAA) Summer Convention in Palm Springs, Calif., May 14-17.
“Most police officers continue to believe electronic alarm systems are a worthwhile crime deterrent,” stated Security Sales & Integration Editor Scott Goldfine, who gave a preview of the findings of the magazine’s new “2003 Police False Alarms Survey.” Goldfine explained how hundreds of police officers demonstrate their unwavering confidence in alarm systems despite all the recent negative media exposure (see this month’s special supplement for complete results).
“Only a small minority believes the false alarm issue is insurmountable and most want to work with us, offering renewed hope of finding common ground,” said Goldfine.The survey’s assertions were further supported when Former Irvine (Calif.) Police Chief Charles Brobeck led a panel of senior law enforcement personnel for an overview of their responsibility for public safety. All panelists spoke out in favor of alarm systems and urged attendees to contact and cooperate with their local agencies.
The keynote speaker was John Jennings, CEO of Safeguard Security and Communications in Scottsdale, Ariz. Among many salient points, Jennings stressed eliminating bureaucracy at every level of a dealer’s organization to optimally serve the customer. He has led Safeguard from a $3 million to $21 million company the past decade. The company’s sales and marketing savvy earned it three 2003 Security Sales & Integration SAMMY awards.
Association members and guests were also provided updates on the Los Angeles Burglar Alarm Task Force and the statewide Fire/Life Safety Technician Apprenticeship Program. This year’s CAA Youth Scholarship Award winner was also announced.
L.A. Task Force member George Gunning of USA Alarm Systems in Monrovia, Calif., and CAA Vice President George De Marco of Greater Alarm in Irvine, Calif., provided insight into the committee’s yearlong process. In the end, elected officials, community members, alarm owners and the industry realized that verified response would increase crime and drain police resources.
It was also announced that the state-approved apprenticeship and training program has been established and is intended to formalize the industry as a professional trade. The three-year program includes a prevailing wage schedule and will allow the association to recruit highly qualified candidates for the workforce.
CAA’s Winter Convention will be held in San Francisco in December.
